NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 TTY 202/418-2555 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: September 30, 2014 Tamara Smith, (202) 418-2994 Email: tamara.smith@fcc.gov FCC ADOPTS NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING ON WIRELESS MICROPHONES New Proceeding Seeks to Accommodate Wireless Microphone Users’ Needs By Promoting Technological Advances, Revising Rules Where Wireless Microphones Currently Operate, and Exploring Opportunities in Additional Bands Washington, D.C. –The Federal Communications Commission today initiated a proceeding to address the long-term needs of wireless microphone users. The repurposing of broadcast television band spectrum for wireless services following the incentive auction will significantly alter the spectrum environment in which many wireless microphones currently operate. Adoption of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking fulfills the Commission’s commitment in the Incentive Auction Report and Order to initiate a proceeding to explore how best to accommodate the different wireless microphone users’ needs in the future. Wireless microphones play an important role in enabling broadcasters and other video programming networks to serve consumers, including their coverage of breaking news and broadcast live sports events. Wireless microphones enhance event productions in a variety of settings – including theaters and music venues, film studios, conventions, corporate events, houses of worship, and Internet webcasts. They are also used by consumers and businesses for a wide variety of applications. Most wireless microphones today operate on unused spectrum in the UHF television band frequencies currently allocated for TV broadcasting. Wireless microphones also operate in other bands, both on a licensed and unlicensed basis, depending on the particular band. Following the incentive auction – with the repacking of the television band and the repurposing of current television spectrum for wireless services – there will be fewer frequencies in the UHF band available for use by wireless microphone operations. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks to address the needs of wireless microphone users, both licensed and unlicensed, in a comprehensive fashion. The Notice examines wireless microphone users’ needs and different technologies that can address them, including digital technologies. In spectrum bands where wireless microphones currently operate, the Commission seeks comment on potential rule revisions that could accommodate better performance and increased use of wireless microphones. The Notice also seeks comment on authorizing wireless microphone operations in additional spectrum bands, consistent with the Commission’s overall spectrum management goals. Through this Notice, the Commission intends to enable the development of a suite of wireless microphone devices and applications over the long term that can meet users’ needs efficiently and effectively. Action by the Commission September 30, 2014, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 14-145). Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel and O’Rielly issuing statements. Docket No. 14-166 2For further information, contact Paul Murray (202-418-0688; paul.murray@fcc.gov) or Chad Breckinridge (202-418-2035; chad.breckinridge@fcc.gov). - FCC – News and information about the Federal Communications Commission is available at www.fcc.gov